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Everything you need to know about Tuf Shine and our selection of auto care products.
Tuf Shine Tire Clearcoat & Black Restore
NOTE: TUF SHINE is a unique product that requires special attention to prepping the tire and for the application of the Clearcoat. If you are contemplating purchasing a TUF SHINE Kit, here are some preliminary answers to questions on cleaning and applying the product. We hope that these answers to frequently asked questions might help to make your experience a success.
Is it really permanent?
How does it protect the tire?
Is pre-cleaning of new tires necessary?
Yes. All tires must be thoroughly cleaned including new tires. New tires have a factory applied mold release agent on them, which must be removed first, but doesn’t require as much cleaning as used tires. Proper cleaning will remove oxidized rubber, road grime and silicone residues left behind from previous tire dressings. TUF SHINE Tire Cleaner has been specially formulated to remove old silicone dressings. Use for the initial cleaning only. After that, wash your tires with mild soap and water to maintain the finish. Any leftover cleaner can be used for other cleaning needs and is a fabulous degreaser. Read and follow directions on the Tire Cleaner bottle for best results.
IMPORTANT: Do not rinse the tire brush in a bucket of water since the dirty water will contaminate the brush with silicone, which will then be re-applied to the tire. Always rinse the brush with a stream of water from a hose.
What if the tire isn’t cleaned properly?
TUF SHINE Clearcoat is water based, and will not to stick to oil, wax or silicone. Poorly cleaned tires will cause the Tire Clearcoat to flake and peel from areas where silicone is still present and the finish will appear brown. The photo below shows what a tire looks like when silicone is still present and the tire has not been thoroughly cleaned. You will know the tire is clean when the suds appear white. This may take 2 or more cleanings depending on how much gunk is on the tire.

Will it attract dust and dirt?
TUF SHINE Clearcoat is a dry, anti-static finish. Dust and dirt will settle on the tire, but will not cling to the tire. You can actually dust your tires or rinse them off with a garden hose. Dirt and mud will wash off more easily because the sidewall is sealed and protected.
Will it work on whitewalls and raised white letters?
Yes - TUF SHINE Clearcoat works on whitewalls and letters. The clearcoat will seal the white rubber and prevent dirt and road grime from penetrating. Whitewalls and raised letters will stay white longer when coated. Always seal the white areas first with TUF SHINE Clearcoat and let it cure for 10 minutes or more before coating the black portion of the tire. This way, if any black residue is wiped onto the whitewalls, a dampened rag will remove it before it has a chance to dry on the white sections.
How do I apply the Clearcoat?
Dispense about a quarter size amount of liquid onto the applicator sponge and wipe onto the sidewall (Helpful hint: Lightly press the dispenser nozzle into the applicator sponge before squeezing the liquid onto the sponge.) This will allow the sponge to absorb the liquid so it doesn’t run off the sponge.
Spread it evenly onto the tire and work into ribbing and around lettering. Don’t worry about the foam or white liquid as you initially apply the clearcoat, they will disappear and dry to a smooth finish. Draw out any runs. Follow instructions on the Clearcoat label for detailed instructions.
What if it gets on the wheel or paint?
This is not a problem. The best method is to always wipe off any residue with a damp rag before it dries. If it has cured, use Isopropyl alcohol or TUF SHINE Tire Cleaner on a rag or sponge and lightly wipe across the area to remove it. You can also use a cleaner polish or a scratch remover.
How do I remove the finish on the tire?
It is not easy, but a few cleanings with TUF SHINE Tire Cleaner and a stiff bristle brush will remove most of the product. It will require a little time and elbow grease to accomplish this. This just shows how tough the finish is. Another method is to use lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol and is described next.
Will Lacquer Thinner or Denatured Alcohol harm the tire if I need to strip off the finish?
Our experience shows it will not because they evaporate quickly. It may remove a miniscule amount of the rubber, but no more than what oxidation from ozone or sun damage does. Once the Clearcoat is applied, it seals the rubber and traps the lubricants under the finish to continually protect the tire. We have done this often with no visible damage to the tire.
Will it crack or turn brown?
Can I touch up scuffmarks?
How often do apply the coating
How do I care for the Clearcoat?
Can I apply more clearcoat over the existing TUF SHINE finish?
Can I apply other tire dressings over the TUF SHINE finish?
Can I re-use the applicator sponge?
TUF SHINE Spray & Shine – Quick Detail Spray
How does TUF SHINE Spray & Shine work?
TUF SHINE Spray & Shine is a quick detailer that acts as a cleaner to remove light dust, bug splatters, fingerprints, tar and bird droppings. It will level out microscopic imperfections in the clear coat to give paint that just waxed look, enhancing the gloss and shine in just minutes.
How long will the finish it last?
Does it contain silicone?
Should the vehicle be washed before application?
What is the best towel to use?
How long will it take to apply TUF SHINE Spray & Shine?
Can I use it in direct sunlight?
Can I use it on the interior of the car?
Will it leave any residue?
Can it be used on windshields?
How many times can I treat my car with a bottle of TUF SHINE Spray & Shine?
Is there anything in TUF SHINE Spray & Shine that can scratch paint?
Will it cause swirl marks?
TUF SHINE Black Restore
What is TUF SHINE Black Restore?
Is pre-cleaning necessary?
Is it glossy?
Still have questions?
We're here to help! Send your questions to our team and we'd be happy to get back to you.
